Vitals

Autism and average and schnooks, oh, my!

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, my 7-year-old son was personally invited by Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright to provide a special musical performance at the Sixth Annual Autism Speaks to Wall Street event. And perform he did! Ethan, along with musician and behavior music teacher Tom Crowley, brought 800 people — including 100 celebrity chefs — to their feet in disbelief and awe.

Michael and I were honored to introduce our son. To paraphrase another famous movie line, “It was an offer we couldn’t refuse.” So, we mustered up our courage — fortified by intense and unconditional love for our son (and maybe a Pinot Noir or two) — and expressed ourselves the only way we could: With truth and honesty.

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The Autism Speaks blog features opinions from people throughout the autism community. Each blog represents the point of view of the author and does not necessarily reflect Autism Speaks' beliefs or point of view.